How to Identify Water Damage Early and Prevent Costly Repairs

Water damage is a silent yet costly problem that can not only hurt your wallet but also your home, business, and even your health. You need to take the time to learn how to identify water damage that presents itself and the steps you can take to prevent it.

According to recent studies, at a cost of over $1.7 billion annually, water damage is the top source of property damage. As well, 20% of homes in Canada experience electrical fires, which can be caused by leaking water.

Therefore, being able to recognize and prevent water damage is not only good for your wallet, but it is also essential for the preservation of your property.

In this blog, we’ll go over the various ways you can identify water damage and save yourself some serious coin before calling a North York plumber.

The Dangers of Water Damage and How to Identify It

Before we get into all the ways you can prevent water damage from happening, let’s discuss what water damage looks like.

Water damage on walls can lead to discolouration, usually in the form of light brown water rings, mouldy odours, cracked or bubbling paint, and softened drywall. On ceilings, cracks, stains, bowing, and peeling paint are all unfortunate things that can occur when water damage is present.

Not only is this problem unsightly and unpleasant to look at, but water damage can also cause terrible structural decay in your building that will cost a lot to repair.

As a home or business owner, you should always know where the shutoff valve for the water main is in case of any emergencies. The water main can usually be found near the water metre, at the front of the building, or even close to an outdoor garden tap.

Typically, depending on the age of the building, the knob would turn clockwise to turn the water off.

Prevention Tactics

Having now uncovered what water damage can look like, there are a number of steps you can take to prevent this from happening. We’ve broken this down into four simple preventative measures you can take to save yourself money in the long run before calling a North York plumber.

1. Check for leaks

The first, and arguably the easiest, leak-prevention step you can take is simply checking for any apparent leaks. Although, initially, they can be a bit difficult to find, once you know where to look, it’s a breeze. Dishwashers and washing machines are the top two appliances that are prone to leaks.

Over time, if maintenance checks are not done often to ensure that they are secure, valves and other connecting components develop cracks. Be sure to thoroughly inspect the hoses, valves, and other parts of these machines, and to also be on the lookout for any moisture buildup.

2. Install floor pans

If you are aware that there are certain parts of your home that are more susceptible to leaks, installing a floor pan in the area is in your best interest. Floor pans, also known as drain pans, are placed in any location where you need a barricade between the flooring and the source of the leak.

Typically made from acrylic-coated galvanized steel, they will help to contain water that may be overflowing. Depending on the size you get, they can be used under washing machines, tubs, showers, or in smaller areas like around toilets and sinks. Installing one can easily help minimise any water damage and save you from needing to call a North York plumber.

3. Install a water flow monitoring system

A water flow monitoring system is designed to measure and record how much water is running through your pipes at all times.

Data is generated by the monitoring system and can be used to gauge water usage and look out for any issues regarding your plumbing.

There are several different types of flow systems you can buy, ranging from electromagnetic, mechanical and differential pressure to ultrasonic and vortex flow metres. It’s best to do your research and decide which one will be most suitable for your home or business.

4. Point-of-leak water alarms

Arguably one of the best methods for identifying and preventing water damage, point-of-leak alarms will be able to detect even the smallest of leaks. Should there be any spills or leaks, an alarm will be activated to notify you and alert your nearest North York plumber or engineering team.

The alarms use a variety of sensor cables or probes to make sure your building is protected 24/7 and give you peace of mind. Although they can sometimes be a bit pricey upfront, they are well worth the investment to save yourself money in the long run.

How Prevention Equals Money Saved

If you don’t take any preventative measures to avert water damage in your home, it could end up costing you a lot of money. North York plumbers will first need to identify what kind of water loss they are dealing with.

There is clean water, which has little to no contamination; grey water, which has more contamination and usually comes from household appliances; or black water, which has a significant amount of contamination and is caused by backed-up sewers.

Depending on the severity of the damage, location, and contamination levels, it can cost anywhere from $1,300 to upwards of $5,000 to repair it.

Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late

It is essential to know how to locate and mitigate any signs of water damage before it’s too late to prevent any serious repercussions. North York plumbers have the qualifications and expertise you’re looking for when it comes to assessing the situation and taking immediate action to rectify the problem.

Remember, knowing how to identify water damage and how to prevent it can not only save your building or home but also help you avoid costly repairs.

For more information about preventing water damage, call Brothers Plumbing at 800-741-8471 or contact us here.